Chinese-taught master's and doctoral study on the Chinese Government Scholarship: the HSK Level 4 line
For a master's or doctoral programme taught in Chinese, the Application Guide for Chinese Government Scholarship sets HSK Level 4 as a condition (Section IV, item 10). The line is a condition of the Chinese Government Scholarship. Section VI, item 5 of the same guide asks applicants to submit a valid HSK score report for these programmes.
See also Routes on this site.
HSK level by programme type
The table shows the language conditions for the programme types named in Section IV of the guide.
| Programme type | Language condition | Where it is set |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese-taught master's programme | HSK Level 4 | Section IV, item 10 |
| Chinese-taught doctoral programme | HSK Level 4 | Section IV, item 10 |
| Chinese-taught general scholar programme (excluding Chinese language majors) | HSK Level 3 | Section IV, item 8 |
| Chinese-taught senior scholar programme | HSK Level 3 | Section IV, item 9 |
| Programme taught in a language other than Chinese | Meet the admission requirements of the university of preference in terms of language proficiency and academic ability, among others | Section IV, item 11 |
Language certificates
Section VI, item 5 covers the certificate. For master's, doctoral, general scholar and senior scholar programmes taught in Chinese, the applicant must submit a valid HSK score report that meets the corresponding Chinese language proficiency requirements. Section VI, item 5 sets no HSK level; it refers to the corresponding requirements.
For programmes taught in other languages, Section VI, item 5 requires relevant language proficiency certificates, such as IELTS or TOEFL score reports, in accordance with the requirements of each university.
Other conditions
Section IV, item 3 sets an age limit of under 35 for applicants to a master's programme who hold a Bachelor's degree or its equivalent. Section IV, item 4 sets an age limit of under 40 for applicants to a doctoral programme who hold a Master's degree or its equivalent. The other conditions in Section IV are not covered here.
HSK test content, structure and preparation are not covered on this site. The tests are described on the official test site.
Questions
Does the HSK Level 4 line apply to every student who studies in China?
Section IV, item 10 is a condition in the Application Guide for Chinese Government Scholarship, published by the China Scholarship Council (Campus China). It is a condition of that scholarship.
What does the guide ask for a programme taught in another language?
Section IV, item 11 asks applicants to meet the admission requirements of the university of preference in terms of language proficiency and academic ability, among others. Section VI, item 5 names IELTS or TOEFL score reports as examples of the certificates required, in accordance with the requirements of each university.
Sources
- Application Guide for Chinese Government Scholarship, China Scholarship Council (Campus China)
Checked 11 October 2026.
This page is an unofficial summary. It is not legal or immigration advice, and it is not published by the bodies named. The official text and the instructions of the body handling your case prevail if they differ.